Since launching in 2009 the Heroes Return programme has funded more than 50,000 veterans to make commemorative trips to where they served in World War Two.

These journeys have included emotional reunions on the beaches of Normandy, meeting old comrades across the battlefields of Arnhem, pilgrimages to remembrance sites across the Far East, and attending events and commemorative trips across the UK.

The Big Lottery Fund has paid for 55,001 veterans and their companions to visit places where they saw action

£27m has been awarded under the Heroes Return programme

32,121 veterans have visited Northern and Western Europe (including the UK)

13,177 veterans have visited the Mediterranean and North Africa

1,997 veterans have visited Egypt, Libya and the Middle East

7,706 veterans have visited the Far East and the rest of the world

The Heroes Return programme has recently been extended to enable veterans to apply for funding to make second trips to the places they served across the world. The programme deadline for closure will now be end of 2015.

Have you been on a Heroes Return trip to where you served or do you know of someone who has? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your comments below or join the conversation on Twitter using#HeroesReturn.